Dental bridges and dental implants are the two most common choice for missing teeth. Bridge dental implants guide compares us to the difference between these popular tooth replacement treatments and helps you choose the best option. If you need to replace missing teeth and need guidance about the choices you look at the pros and cons of the options below.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges can be used to fill the gap created by one or several teeth. They are installed on your natural teeth or implants that exist and molded into shape to look as natural as possible and make a full smile.

Pros

• A simple procedure that doesn’t require surgery
• A faster and simpler treatment compared to dental implants
• More affordable option
• Creates a natural-looking smile
• Can last 10-15 years with proper care
• Stable and secure
• Short recovery time

Cons

• Shorter lifespan requiring replacement down the track
• Potential for tooth decay and gum disease as they’re prone to building plaque
• Requires more diligent oral hygiene
• Healthy adjacent teeth must be filed down for bridge to be fixed
• Once filed/prepared, adjacent teeth will always need a bridge (irreversible)
• Possibility of nerve damage to teeth being prepared

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

A dental implant is used as an artificial tooth root in the jawline where the tooth is missing. This screw-like anchor creates a stable base for a false replacement tooth.

Pros

• High-quality implants that can last a lifetime with proper care
• Easier to clean, just like real teeth
• Look, feel and function like a natural tooth
• Strong and stable so you can eat what you want
• Stimulate and preserve natural bone growth to prevent bone loss
• Treatment doesn’t affect adjacent teeth
• Less susceptible to decay or gum disease

Cons

• More expensive than dental bridges
• A more invasive option that requires surgery
• The procedure can take several months and may require multiple visits to your dentist
• Has a longer healing time
• May require an additional procedure such as bone grafting

Consult with Your Dentist

If you’re deciding between a dental bridge and a dental implant, consulting a Wisdom Teeth Dentist approved dentist will help you choose the right treatment for you.